Greenburgh Supervisor Says Tappan Zee Bridge Should Honor Seeger

A call to rename the Tappan Zee Bridge for Pete Seeger is faining some interest after the legendary songwriter and conservationist died this week.Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Anthony PepitonePhoto Credit: File photos

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GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- A move to rename the new Tappan Zee Bridge now under construction in honor of folk singer Pete Seeger is gaining some momentum.

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner made the suggestion Monday after the famed singer/songwriter and activist, who was a leader is conservation of the Hudson River for decades, died at 94.

"When one thinks of the Hudson River and the environment one of the first names we think of is Pete Seeger." Feiner said. "He pushed for a cleaner river in the 1960s (long before others took on the cause) and used music to push for an environment friendly river. He sang "Sailing up my dirty stream" and kept pushing for a better river."

The bridge is being built to replace the current Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties. It is scheduled to open in 2018.

Feiner said naming the bridge for Seeger would honor a man who led the fight for a cleaner river.

"A world class new bridge should be named for a world class environmentalist who made our region a better place," Feiner said.

Feiner said he would send his suggestion to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and members of the state Legislature.

More than 2,500 people have signed an
online petition
supporting the Tappan Zee Bridge renaming for Seeger.